About panic attacks

Panic attacks are really common. They happen suddenly and you might feel like something bad is about to happen. No physical harm can come from having a panic attack and whatever you’re going through, we can help.

Why do panic attacks happen?

Panic and anxiety can be brought on by physical danger such as being afraid someone will hurt you. But it can also be caused by a single thought or fear that something bad is about to happen. Sometimes we're just so anxious and stressed about something, such as exam results, that it builds up to a point where we panic.

Sometimes events from the past can make you feel the stress all over again. And that can trigger feelings of panic. It could be a memory of bullying, or abuse. And sometimes the reminder can be a seemingly small thing.

This means that you can actually think yourself into having a panic attack. But it also means that you can think yourself out of one. With time, you can begin to control panic when you feel it building up.

being reminded of something very frightening or unsafe that happened to you, such as an accident, crime, abuse, violence or anything else you are having trouble coping with (common triggers for people with post-traumatic stress disorder)